What happens when the battery in the new 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid "dies"? Does it get recharged, replaced?

Answer 1

The batteries are designed to last for years, and to be recharged countless times, but like all batteries, eventually they will play out. But the same can be said for a conventional gasoline engine.

Lexus is the only one I've found that addresses the question of their recyclable batteries:

The batteries in all Lexus hybrid vehicles are under warranty for five years or up to 100,000km, whichever occurs first, for peace of mind. The HV battery should never get completely flat as the car’s computer is designed to constantly monitor the condition of the battery. In normal operation it does not allow a charge load of less than 40 per cent to occur.


When the battery’s charge level is low the engine activates the generator, and the resulting electricity is used to recharge the battery. Additionally, as soon as the brakes are applied the motors begin functioning as generators, also supplying the generated electricity to the battery.

If there is a severe battery failure or critical problems with the battery, the system shuts off automatically. Lexus Manager for Service and Parts, Mr Bob Dawes, believes the hybrid technology is as reliable as a conventional petrol-engined vehicle.

Answer 2

All new batteries have to be recharged as they slowly get drained while hooked up. All batteries will experience this to a degree. Why replace something that is brand new?

Answer 3

It never "dies" they are recharged continuouly.

Don't buy a hybrid tahoe. That's like smoking cigarettes but putting an extra filter on the end...it's still bad for you.

Buy a smaller Hybrid. The Camry and Accord hybrids are every bit as capable of hauling a family of 4 around comfortably with plenty of cargo room. But instead of the 20mpg you'd get in the tahoe hybrid, you'd get closer to 40-45 in the sedans.

SUV's are 90% to blame for driving fuel demand so high that it pushed prices up.